Price guide · Debt Counselling

How much does Debt Review Counselling cost in 2026?

  • Prices checked November 2026

Price guide

What it costs

Debt review consultation

R50 per job

From Debtmatrix (Debt Review Company)'s published prices in Centurion, checked November 2026.

More prices

  • Debt review application

    From 3 businesses' published prices in Durban, checked November 2026.

  • Debt review administration

    From 3 businesses' published prices in Centurion, Gqeberha and Cape Town, checked November 2026.

  • Debt review consent order

    R1,100 per application

    From Debtmatrix (Debt Review Company)'s published prices in Centurion, checked November 2026.

  • Debt review legal fee

    R1,380 per application

    From Master Your Money's published prices in Gqeberha, checked November 2026.

  • Reckless lending assessment

    R1,500 per application

    From National Debt Advisors' published prices in Cape Town, checked November 2026.

  • Debt review rejection fee

    R300 per application

    From PMB Debt Counsellors' published prices, checked November 2026.

  • Debt review tribunal submission

    R500 per applicationexcl. VAT

    From National Debt Review Center's published prices, checked November 2026.

What these prices include: Each line is the fee as the debt counsellor publishes it: an application or consultation fee, a once-off restructuring fee or a monthly fee.

What changes the price:

Get a price for your job

Tell us the job and a debt counselling pro that covers your area calls you with a written quote.

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What you can ask for

  • Reduction in income
  • Job loss
  • Medical hardship
  • Overwhelming debts
  • Other debt issues

Debt review fee structure

Debt counselling fees are regulated. The National Credit Regulator (NCR) publishes a fee guideline for debt counsellors, and the Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA) sets out the same fees in the order you pay them.

Application fee
A small once-off fee, set in Schedule 2 of the National Credit Act, paid when you sign the Form 16 application for debt counselling.
Administration fee
Paid upfront once you have applied on Form 16, for the assessment and the paperwork that starts the review.
Restructuring fee
The main fee: the lesser of your first instalment under the new repayment plan or a capped amount, paid in the first month after the proposals go to your credit providers. A joint application for a couple has a higher cap.
Reckless lending fee
Where the counsellor finds a loan was granted recklessly, a determination fee is charged in month 1 or 2, depending on the repayment amount.
Legal fees
A fee for the consent order or the magistrate's court application, in month 2 or 3; the NCR suggests it is aligned with your disposable income and negotiated with the attorney. The National Consumer Tribunal route needs every credit provider's consent.
Aftercare fee
A monthly fee of 5% of the amount you pay into the plan, capped per month, for the first 24 months, then 3% under the NCR guideline for the rest of the plan.
Payment Distribution Agency
Your single monthly payment goes to a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), which pays each credit provider and charges its own monthly fee.

National Credit Regulator, fee guidelines for debt counsellors and information sheet for new clients; Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa (DCASA), 'What fees can a debt counsellor ask during the debt review process?'. Checked November 2026.

What the debt review process includes

The NCR's information sheet lists what a debt counsellor does for those fees, from the first interview to the clearance certificate.

Application and assessment
An interview and assessment, a check of what you can afford, an explanation of the process, certificates of balance from each lender, Form 17.2 sent to all credit providers, and loading your plan with the PDA.
Legal preparation
Documents to the court's requirements, affidavits before a commissioner of oaths, answering credit providers and their attorneys, a court appearance, and Form 17.2C to the credit providers once the consent order is granted.
Aftercare
Updating the PDA with the court's final plan, following up missed payments, handling suspended accounts, letters of demand and terminations, getting settlement figures, and an annual review of your finances.
The clearance certificate
When every debt in the plan is paid, the counsellor gets proof from each credit provider and issues a clearance certificate (Form 19), and the credit bureaus are updated through NCR Debt Help.

National Credit Regulator, information sheet for new debt counselling clients. Checked November 2026.

Fees to ask about before you sign

What aftercare does not include
Other court action in the magistrate's or High Court, rescinding judgments or garnishee orders, legal action by a credit provider because of missed payments, and counselling beyond the debt review.
If the counsellor does not act
If proposals are not sent to credit providers, or the matter referred to the Tribunal or court, within 60 business days of the application, the NCR guideline says the counsellor refunds the fees paid, except the application fee.
If you withdraw
Withdrawing after the restructuring stage costs a fee equal to 75% of the restructuring fee under the NCR guideline.
If the application is rejected
A rejection fee is set in the guideline for an applicant whose application is turned down because they are not over-indebted.
In writing
The fees and services are set out in an addendum to Form 16, which the counsellor must explain to you and you sign. Check that your counsellor is registered with the NCR.

National Credit Regulator, fee guidelines for debt counsellors. Checked November 2026.

The forms in a debt review

Each step of a debt review has its own form under the National Credit Act, so you can follow where your case stands.

Form 16
Your application for debt review, completed with your debt counsellor at the start.
Form 17.1
The counsellor's notice to your credit providers and the credit bureaus that you have applied for debt review.
Form 17.2
The notice to your credit providers and the credit bureaus that the application was rejected or that your debts are being restructured.
Form 18
A consumer's own application to court for debt review.
Form 19
The clearance certificate, issued once the debts in the review are paid, which clears the debt review flag.
Check the counsellor
The NCR keeps a public register of registered debt counsellors, with 1,730 listed when we checked. Look your counsellor up there before you sign Form 16.

National Credit Regulator, list of forms and register of debt counsellors (ncr.org.za). Checked November 2026.

What changes the price

A debt counselling pro asks these before quoting.

Where you meet
I travel to the Pro, The Pro travels to me, Remotely (Phone, Internet, Video call)
Also ask about
VAT, travel and call-out; what is supplied; the guarantee, in writing.

Questions about these prices

Where do these prices come from?

From Debtmatrix, Master Your Money, National Debt Advisors, Financial Assist, PMB Debt Counsellors and National Debt Review Center: businesses that publish their own prices. We copied the figures as published and checked them on 13 November 2026. They are not quotes; every pro sets their own price.

Do I have to hire the pro who quotes?

No. You decide once you have the written quote.

The full guide

General advice, written January 2024.

How Much Do Debt Counsellors Charge for a Debt Review and Rescue? 

Are you falling behind with your payments and thinking of applying for a Debt Review? Then you might be wondering how your Debt Counsellor might charge you.

The General Costs for a Debt review will include the following:

Debt counselling and debt review

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Debt Review or Debt Rescue Plan

  1. Debt amount: The more debt you have, the more work the Debt Counsellor needs to do to negotiate a repayment plan. This can increase the cost of the Debt Review.
  2. Complexity of the case: Some cases may be more complex than others, requiring additional time and effort from the Debt Counsellor. This can also increase the cost of the Debt Review.
  3. Duration of the Debt Review Process: The Debt Review process can take several months to complete, and the longer it takes, the more it can cost. This is because the Debt Counsellor will need to spend more time working on your case.
  4. Fees charged by the Debt Counsellor: Each Debt Counsellor sets their own fees for their services, and these can vary depending on the level of experience and expertise of the Debt Counsellor.
  5. Debt amount: The more debt you have, the more work the Debt Counsellor needs to do to negotiate a repayment plan. This can increase the cost of the Debt Review.
  6. Complexity of the case: Some cases may be more complex than others, requiring additional time and effort from the Debt Counsellor. This can also increase the cost of the Debt Review.
  7. Duration of the Debt Review process: The Debt Review process can take several months to complete, and the longer it takes, the more it can cost. This is because the Debt Counsellor will need to spend more time working on your case.
  8. Fees charged by the Debt Counsellor: Each Debt Counsellor sets their own fees for their services, and these can vary depending on the level of experience and expertise of the Debt Counsellor.
  9. Court application: In some cases, a court application may be required to enforce the repayment plan. This can increase the cost of the Debt Review.

Factors That Influence Debt Counselling Costs

  • Complexity of the case: The more complex your financial situation, the more time and effort a debt counsellor may need to invest in negotiating with creditors, designing a repayment plan, and providing ongoing support. This could result in higher fees.
  • Level of debt: The total amount of debt you owe can influence the cost of debt counselling. Higher levels of debt may require more extensive negotiations and a more detailed repayment plan, which can lead to increased fees.
  • Number of creditors: If you have multiple creditors, the debt counsellor may need to spend additional time negotiating with each of them to secure the best possible repayment terms. This can also impact the overall cost of the service.
Debt counselling and debt review
Debt counselling and debt review
  • Professional experience: The experience and expertise of the debt counsellor can play a role in determining the cost of their services. Highly experienced and reputable debt counsellors may charge higher fees for their in-depth knowledge and proven track record of success.
  • Geographic location: Debt counselling fees can vary depending on the region or city in which you live. In some areas, the cost of living and operating a business may be higher, resulting in increased fees for professional services such as debt counselling.
  • Additional services: Some debt counselling firms may offer additional services, such as financial education or budgeting assistance, which can add to the overall cost. However, these extra services may also provide added value and contribute to your long-term financial success.

Why Choose a Local Pros Partner for Your Debt Review Needs

Navigating the complexities of debt can be a daunting experience.

  • Personalised Service: Local Pros partners take the time to understand your financial situation and goals, providing customised debt review plans to suit your needs.
  • Accredited Professionals: All Local Pros partners are registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR), ensuring they adhere to the highest industry standards and ethical practices.
Debt counselling and debt review

Invest in your financial future by choosing a Local Pros partner for your debt review needs. With their expertise and personalised approach you can confidently take the first step towards a debt-free life.

FAQ Section: Debt Review Costs in South Africa

How much does it cost to apply for debt review?

This is a once-off fee paid at the beginning of the process to cover the assessment of your financial situation and determine your eligibility for debt review.

What are the costs involved in debt restructuring?

These fees cover the negotiation with your creditors, the restructuring of your debts, and the creation of a personalised repayment plan.

How much does it cost to maintain a debt review?

A monthly service fee is charged for the ongoing management and administration of your debt review.

Are there any additional fees for legal services during debt review?

If your case requires legal representation, such as drafting legal documents or court appearances, additional fees may apply. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific legal services required.

What are the fees for Payment Distribution Agencies (PDAs)?

PDAs charge a fee for processing and distributing your monthly payments to your creditors.

Are debt counselling fees regulated in South Africa?

Yes, debt counselling fees are regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) in South Africa. This ensures that fees are fair and reasonable and that debt counsellors adhere to the highest industry standards and ethical practices.

All prices

How it works

  1. 1

    Tell us the job

  2. 2

    A debt counselling pro who covers your area calls you

  3. 3

    Get a written quote and decide

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